We at American Iron Magazine feel it is important to be a foum for motorcycle riders to share opinions and concerns. Few issues, these days, seem to be as hot as loud pipes. So we are sharing the American Motorcyclist Association’s current position statement on excessive motorcycle sound.

Since its inception in 1924, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has maintained a position of strong opposition to excessive motorcycle sound. The AMA has funded information and public relations campaigns in support of quieter motorcycle use, and was the world’s first motorsports sanctioning body to regulate and reduce the sound level of racing vehicles.

The AMA believes that few other factors contribute more to misunderstanding and prejudice against the motorcycling community than excessively loud motorcycles. All motorcycles are manufactured to meet federally mandated sound control standards. Unfortunately, a small number of riders who install unmuffled aftermarket exhaust systems perpetuate a public myth that all motorcycles are loud. Efforts by regulators to rein in excessive motorcycle sound often miss the mark by singling out motorcyclists with ordinances and laws that are unfair, impractical and unenforceable.

No single segment of the motorcycling community–riders, event organizers, retailers and distributors, original equipment and aftermarket manufacturers, law enforcement and the safety community–-can single-handedly solve this problem. Although there are other sources of excessive sound such as loud cars and trucks, booming car stereos, poorly maintained generators, and whining leaf blowers, motorcyclists have a responsibility to be part of the solution. Shifting blame and failing to adopt responsible, voluntary practices will only result in greater prejudice and discrimination against all motorcyclists, including excessively rigorous state and federal standards, more expensive and less attractive motorcycles, the reduction of choices in aftermarket products, abusive enforcement of current laws, and other measures that will negatively impact both riders and the motorcycle industry.

Based on its opposition to excessive motorcycle sound, the AMA recommends the following:

All motorcyclists should be sensitive to community standards and respect the right of fellow citizens to enjoy a peaceful environment.

Motorcyclists should not modify exhaust systems in a way that will increase sound to a level that is offensive. This includes the installation of unmuffled exhaust systems.

Manufacturers producing motorcycles that meet the appropriate federal standards should continue to educate their dealers and customers that louder exhaust systems can decrease the performance of motorcycles.

Law enforcement agencies should fairly and consistently enforce appropriate laws against excessive vehicle sound and other sources of undesirable sound.

The motorcycle industry and the safety community should educate customers and riders that excessive sound can be fatiguing, thus impairing good riding skills and judgment, making riding less enjoyable.

The AMA and its Board of Directors wholeheartedly endorse these recommendations and the Association will continue to advocate for responsible behavior on the part of its members and all motorcyclists.

Comments

It is nice to enjoy peace and quiet and I do it daily. But I also enjoy the sound of my Harley with aftermarket pipes and I will defend that to the enth degree. I also find it odd that my neighbors say how great my racing pipes on my mustang sound and squirm at the sound of my Harley which is quieter…. I think the AMA would be serve as a foum (forum) for Americans to get along and be tolerant of others, not to be so sensitive in selfish ways, to visit other areas of the world to see how lucky we truly are in this United States, which is soon to be the last great hope of mankind to self rule and disappearing faster than UBL after 9/11/01.
As for me, my pipes will remain as they are and I will relocate anywhere to keep them that way! Just as I have for the last 47 years and 19 moves! Thanks, wrp3.

If the AMA feels this way then why is it that a cars exhaust system can be louder than a motorcycle’s. Where is equality in justice here. What makes a four wheeled motor vehicle able to have louder exhaust systems than a two wheeled or three wheeled motor vehicle?